Timbille Kulendi

Timbille Kulendi is a member of Marist's Class of 2018. He is an international student from Accra, Ghana and is a computer science major.

Why did you choose Marist College?
I chose Marist because I wanted to study abroad, particularly on the East Coast of the United States. I researched into colleges with excellent computer science programs, and then I found Marist. Marist has a great social environment, and the smaller size made it the perfect fit. I enjoy Marist’s strategic location by the beautiful Hudson Valley and proximity to New York City. Marist was the obvious choice.

What was your favorite class? Why?
My favorite class is Intro to Programming. My professor, Alan Labouseur, was the typical geeky, hilarious grown up man. He just made the class so much fun and kept the entire class involved with interesting projects. His overwhelming love for James Bond was particularly hilarious.

What is the best part of living on campus?
Being on campus means having all your friends close to you, creating that wonderful social vibe. Also, being close to all the academic buildings is a real advantage. You feel more involved and embedded in the social environment at Marist.

Where is your favorite place on campus?
The McCann Recreational Center is my favorite place because it offers me the perfect environment to manage stress. It also allows me to keep my body healthy and in perfect shape.

How do you connect with friends and family at home while at Marist?
Generally, I make phone calls, text messages, use FaceTime, Skype, Facebook, and SnapChat.

What kind(s) of extracurricular activities are you involved in?
I am involved in the Marist Student Ambassador Program, intramural volleyball, soccer and futsal, the Black Student Union and the Marist Booster Club.

Tell us about a “cultural” moment you had at Marist (culture shock, funny story, etc.).
I’ve had so many weird questions asked about home. “Do you speak African?” or “Do they have cup holders in cars in Africa?” People generally have a negative misconception about Africa and tend to be surprised when I differ from the common stereotype.

What do you do for fun outside of Marist?
Outside of Marist, I enjoy traveling off campus to explore and discover new things; taking regular trips into New York City, making new friends, and socializing with Marist friends, and occasionally dining out.